The Emporia Area Chamber Foundation Through Ignite Emporia Will Turn the Maynard School Into a 24/7 Childcare Facility

Lyon County is actively taking steps to reduce the childcare deficit in the region while offering fair wages and supporting income equality for residents. In December 2023, The Emporia Area Chamber Foundation purchased the Maynard Elementary School building at 19 Constitution St. to turn it into a 24/7 daycare facility. Starting in the summer of 2024, Little Lyons Childcare will have three classrooms opening for infants through preschool ages and will expand into the school and extend its hours until it is a fully operational facility.

“Access to childcare is not only a matter of convenience but a cornerstone of a thriving and supportive community,” says Michelle Margeson, Director of Ignite Emporia. “By investing in comprehensive, affordable, and sustainable childcare options, we can empower working families, support early childhood development, and foster a stronger, more resilient community for generations to come.”

By providing 24/7 childcare, Lyon County can accommodate shift workers, overnight staff, and service employees who get up early or clock in late. Children will have a safe and quality environment to grow in allowing their parents to focus on providing for their families. 

The Development of the Maynard School is a Community Effort

Several organizations made the purchase and development of this daycare facility possible. The Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce formed the Emporia Coalition of Childcare through Ignite Emporia. This coalition has community members from Emporia State University, Flint Hills Technical College, Emporia Community Foundation, and other organizations. The Chamber has also established an endowed fund in partnership with the Emporia Community Foundation.

For every child care opening in Lyon County, there are 30 children under the age of three who compete for that spot. This new facility will address a significant need in the region.

Access to childcare is an issue across the state of Kansas. Since 2017, there has been a 6% drop in the number of available childcare slots due to the closure of licensed family child care homes.

These closures hurt low-income families the hardest, as wealthier families can pay higher rates to ensure their kids have daycare while they work. Kansas families pay $15,000 annually on average for infant daycare, which is $1,250 per month. This expense isn’t sustainable for many families. Middle or lower-income families feel stress on their budgets or have to rely on relatives and neighbors for childcare.

“It’s not just about childcare,” says Jim Witt, Interim President of the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas (RDA). “This program will offer resources to communities that need our support. Low-income workers, shift employees, and people who cannot afford childcare will all have a place for their infants and toddlers to grow and learn.”

Little Lyons Childcare Will be Funded By Community Grants 

Another important factor that sets Little Lyons Childcare apart as a special project is its source of funding. The endowment fund created through the Emporia Community Foundation will cover the operating expenses of the daycare in the long run. The goal of the Little Lyons Endowment Fund is to close the gap between the true cost of childcare and what families can reasonably afford to pay. The Endowment will also allow a more livable wage and health benefits to our Early Childhood Education professionals.

This process will take years to complete. The goal is to grow the fund up to $10 million to help support childcare facilities throughout Lyon County.

The Emporia Coalition for Childcare was a recipient of the Child Care Capacity Accelerator Grant and the Capital Project Fund Accelerator Grant. These two grants allowed the Chamber Foundation to purchase the Maynard School building and begin a large part of the renovations and start-up operation costs. The Coalition has also received grants and donations from the Sadie Jones Fund, the Trusler Foundation, Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas, and from anonymous donors. 

This Project Will Support Daycare Workers in the Region

Not only will this program provide daycare solutions to Emporia families, but it will also create well-paid job opportunities for daycare workers. The goal of the endowment fund is to provide livable wages for the staff who work at Little Lyons Childcare.

“Currently, many childcare providers work long hours for low wages, no benefits, perpetuating economic inequality within our community,” says Margeson. She continues to say, “Our Early Childhood Professionals are integral parts of our community and its workforce, they deserve to be uplifted and held in esteem for what they contribute to the lives of our children.”

The daycare staff will receive the wages they deserve, allowing them to focus on providing the best care possible to Emporia’s youngest residents.  

Little Lyons Childcare Will Have a Positive Economic Impact

While providing childcare and supporting low-income residents is important for any community, the funds put into the Maynard School are an investment in the future of Emporia. The daycare can attract workers who need 24/7 support to accommodate their unique work hours. Companies can feel confident moving to their area because their employees will have the daycare support they need.

“The potential financial and economic benefits to the region are worth the investment,” says Witt. “We want the best for the babies and toddlers in Emporia, but recognize that this daycare can benefit anyone in the community – even residents without kids.”

Keep up with Emporia RDA to learn about childcare in the region and other quality-of-life programs. Along with the Maynard School, there are currently 17 daycare centers and childcare providers in Lyon County. Your family has a place in Emporia and your business will thrive in Lyon County.

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